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July 18, 2025

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The Latest News:

Canon’s New EL-1 V2 Speedlite Flash

credits: Canon

Canon has announced the Speedlite EL-1 Version 2, a slight update to its flagship flash that originally debuted back in 2021. The original EL-1 was well-received but notoriously hard to get, spending most of its life out of stock at major retailers. Now, with the V2 officially on the way and already available for preorder, it’s looking like Canon’s real fix might not be in the specs, but simply making the thing actually available.

In terms of actual changes, this new version is almost identical to the original. It still covers the same 24–200mm focal range (with 14mm coverage using the built-in diffuser), still includes 180-degree swivel and 120-degree tilt, and still offers a fast 0.9-second recycle time. It runs on the same rechargeable battery, uses Canon’s same wireless radio system, and even has the same size, weight, and weather-sealing. One difference is the guide number: it’s slightly lower on the V2—58 meters at 200mm versus the original’s 60 meters. Oddly enough, that small drop in power gives the V2 five more full-power pops (340) before needing to recharge, compared to 335 on the original.

All of this would be easier to swallow if the price hadn’t jumped. The EL-1 V2 comes in at $1,349, which is $250 more than the original’s launch price. That means you’re paying more for slightly less power and mostly the same specs. For die-hard Canon users who need the reliability and weather sealing of a pro-grade flash, it might still be worth it, but it’s a steep ask for a minor refresh.

You can see full details on Canon’s website here

Ricoh’s GR World Smartphone App

credits: Ricoh

Ricoh unveiled a new companion app for its popular GR series cameras called GR World. The mobile app makes it easier to move photos from your GR to your phone, control the camera remotely, and embed GPS data in your shots. It’s compatible with all GR III models (including the HDF and IIIx variants), plus the older GR II if it's updated to firmware 1.10 or higher. For users frustrated with Ricoh’s previous app, Image Sync, this is essentially a full refresh with a better interface and some new features.

The app lets you register your camera, so once it’s paired, reconnecting is simple. You can also check your camera’s battery level, SD card space, and network status right from the app. There's control over basic settings like syncing your phone’s date/time with the camera or adding GPS location tags to photos automatically. You can create albums in the app and even pin them as widgets to your phone’s home screen, which feels tailored to the GR’s cult following of street photographers and travelers who want a quick way to organize and show off their work on the go.

While the image transfer tools are front and centre (letting users browse, select, and import photos) the remote control features are more limited. You get basic shutter release and a self-timer, but not much else in terms of manual shooting adjustments. GR World launches July 23 and will be free to download on the App Store and Google Play.

You can see full details on Ricoh’s website here